Changes in Seventies, Presiding Bishopric

The callings of two new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and new counselors in the Presiding Bishopric were announced by the First Presidency and were accepted by a sustaining vote during the 162nd Semiannual General Conference.

In addition, emeritus status was granted to two members of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and six members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy were released after completing their five-year assignments.

The First Presidency also announced changes in the general presidencies of the Church’s Sunday School and Young Men organizations, and two new members of the Presidency of the Quorums of the Seventy, previously announced, were sustained. In addition, fifteen new members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, whose calls were also previously announced, were sustained.

Called to the First Quorum of the Seventy were Bishops Henry B. Eyring and Glenn L. Pace, who have been serving as first and second counselors in the Presiding Bishopric.

It was recently announced that Elder Eyring had been appointed commissioner of the Church Educational System. He will continue in that position. Elder Eyring was called to the Presiding Bishopric on 6 April 1985. He had earlier served as deputy commissioner and commissioner of the Church Educational System and as president of Ricks College.

Elder Henry B. Eyring

Elder Pace was also called to the Presiding Bishopric on 6 April 1985. He has served on the Missionary Executive Council, and for nine years prior to his call to the Bishopric, he was employed by the Church Welfare Services Department.

Elder Glenn L. Pace

Called to serve as counselors to Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales were H. David Burton and Richard C. Edgley. (See pages 101 and 102.)

Elders Marion D. Hanks and Robert L. Backman were granted emeritus status. Elder Hanks was called to the First Council of the Seventy on 4 October 1953 at age thirty-one. He has served as president of the Salt Lake Temple and as president of the British Mission, has served twice in the Presidency of the Seventy, and most recently was executive director of the Priesthood Department.

Elder Marion D. Hanks

Elder Backman was sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy on 1 April 1978. He was called to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 1985. He is a former Young Men general president and counselor and served as president of the Northwestern States Mission. Most recently, he was executive director of the Missionary Department.

Elder Robert L. Backman

Released after completing their terms of service in the Second Quorum of the Seventy were Elders George R. Hill III, John R. Lasater, Douglas J. Martin, Glen L. Rudd, Douglas H. Smith, and Lynn A. Sorensen. All six brethren were called to the Seventy on 4 April 1987. Brother Martin is currently serving as president of the New Zealand Temple.

Elder George R. Hill III

Elder John R. Lasater

Elder Douglas J. Martin

Elder Glen L. Rudd

Elder Douglas H. Smith

Elder Lynn A. Sorensen

Sustained as members of the Presidency of the Quorums of the Seventy were Elders Charles Didier and L. Aldin Porter, who will succeed Elders Hanks and Backman.

Also sustained as new members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy were Elders Lino Alvarez, Dallas N. Archibald, Merrill J. Bateman, C. Max Caldwell, Gary J. Coleman, John B. Dickson, John E. Fowler, Jay E. Jensen, Augusto A. Lim, John M. Madsen, V. Dallas Merrell, David E. Sorensen, F. David Stanley, Tai Kwok Yuen, and Lowell D. Wood.

Released as the Sunday School general presidency were Elders Hugh W. Pinnock, Hartman Rector, Jr., and Clinton L. Cutler. Elder Merlin R. Lybbert was called to serve as the new president, with Elders Clinton L. Cutler and Ronald E. Poelman serving as first and second counselors, respectively.

Released from the Young Men general presidency were Elders Robert K. Dellenbach, first counselor, and Stephen D. Nadauld, second counselor. Called to serve with Young Men general president Elder Jack H Goaslind were Elders Stephen D. Nadauld, first counselor, and L. Lionel Kendrick, second counselor.